How to use agrochemicals correctly

“When you first receive a product, ensure you check the
expiry date and if it has expired, return it to the manufacturer. He or she
will know how to dispose of it. Alternatively, they can advice on how the
disposal should be done.” Explains Dr Kocholla.

Do you want your
products to be effective? Simply do not come up with your own specifications.
Farmers are advised to follow the stated specifications. If it says two litres
per acre, this should strictly be adhered to. This will ensure the chemical is
fully utilised and minimise wastage.

“An under-dose will create a resistant trait to the product
while an overdose will cause the crops to burn and at the same time, affect the
health of the person handling it.” Just like when planting, timing is vital
when applying chemicals and must be done at specific times.

“You cannot spray at day time because it will affect not
only the plant, but also the person applying. Spray very early in the morning
or late evening when the air is still. This will ensure the chemicals land
where they are needed,” he says.

Chemicals should be applied to the target disease or pest,
do not spray a pesticide just for the sake of doing it.

According to Mr
Kocholla, distributors stock products from different manufacturers. It is,
therefore, important that farmers get the manufacturer’s address correctly
because it is only them who can give correct advice in case of intoxification.

“In case you take a chemical by mistake, seek an antidote
from the manufacturer,” he advises. Little things that we take for granted end
up affecting us negatively. The same applies to agrochemical applications.

When applying the chemicals, it is advisable that we put on
the right protective gear, technically referred to as Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE). They are normally designed based on the product classes’ toxic
level, where someone spraying a class one chemical has a specific PPE and same
applies to the other classes.

According to Dr Kocholla, the protective gear must be worn
from head to toe. During storage, it is advisable that powdered products be put
on top of liquid ones to avoid fire outbreaks in case of any spillage.

When done the opposite way, the liquid product will easily
mix with powdered ones if accidentally spilled.

The vital information
is found on the product’s label. It is, therefore, crucial to read the label
with utmost care and avoid relying on advertisements alone.